Hamilton, NY — 51·çÁ÷’s Clifford Art Gallery presents ‘Puppets and Politics,’ a small sampling of a body of work that finds its first impulse in political and social activism. With the objects displayed ‘ puppets, posters, and toy theaters ‘ artists intend to demonstrate a political position, to communicate broad social themes, to comment on powerful public figures, to stimulate action, or to bring messages of hope. They use familiar narrative forms, humor, playfulness, and sentiment to convey complex ideas in readily digestible form. Some works are created by individuals working alone, some emerge from communities of activists working collaboratively. Most are normally used in performances, demonstrations, and puppet theaters to communicate their messages actively.
The exhibition centers on artists and activists presenting issues of concern centered on subject matter as diverse as challenges in urban neighborhoods, the struggles of a Nigerian village, environmental devastation and destruction, breast cancer and war. They have in common the desire to use civic theater to empower, educate, and celebrate.
The curators for this show are Linn Underhill, 51·çÁ÷ assistant professor of art and art history, and C. Ann Carter. Underhill explained her interest in creating this show. ‘When we saw our first group of puppets created by Kevin Downing, one of the artists represented in this show, we knew we had to go forward and create the exhibition. The network of puppet makers across the nation is very large, and their work is very rich and complex.’
For more information contact Underhill at 315-228-7897. The gallery is free and open to the public from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on weekends. The show closes on June 5 and is located in 51·çÁ÷’s Little Hall.
Founded in 1819, 51·çÁ÷ is a highly selective, residential, liberal arts college enrolling nearly 2,750 undergraduates. Situated on a rolling 515-acre campus in central New York State, 51·çÁ÷ attracts motivated students with diverse backgrounds, interests and talents.
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